---Solution to nation’s financial crisis---
Congresswoman Maxine Waters recently called on Congress to keep working until completing a solution to the nation’s financial crisis.  The Congresswoman was joined by a coalition of organizations representing small businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, minority professionals in financial services and real estate, and minority communities. Congresswoman Waters said that the “…. package must help American families – not just major financial institutions.  Even before the recent problems on Wall Street, people and businesses on Main Street in communities across the United States have been feeling an economic squeeze.” A new report by the Joint Economic Committee reveals that average household living expenses for basic necessities – including groceries, gas, heating homes, and health care – have doubled over the past seven years, while median income has decreased.  In addition, now more American families are hurt by unemployment.  There are more than two people seeking work for every job opening. “Clearly, average Americans need help, and they are looking to Congress to help ease the economic squeeze,” added Waters.  “I for one am determined to help, and I am confident Congress will find solutions we can agree on,” said Congresswoman Waters, who was joined by the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Association of Securities Professionals, National Bankers Association, National Bar Association, National Organization of African Americans in Housing, New America Alliance, Real Estate Executives Council, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Maria Kong

Maya Angelou

Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D

Business World Index

---Minority real estate professionals and asset managers speak out---
Maria Kong, President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) urged Congressional leadership, President Bush and Secretary of the Treasury Paulson, to act fairly and responsibly to ensure that minority-owned  real estate, finance and legal professionals are included among the firms tapped to manage the multi-billion dollar asset portfolio the government plans to purchase from failing Wall Street investment houses, and flailing financial institutions. “Minority business participation in this $700 billion bailout is as crucial to rebuilding our nation’s economy and stemming further community destabilization as shoring up Wall Street," said Kong.   "We wholeheartedly support Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and urge her colleagues, and the Administration to heed her consideration in this matter.  As compromises are made to gain full support for the legislation’s passage, there should be no compromise with regard to minority participation in the plan’s implementation.” “Minority real estate and finance professionals are eminently qualified and poised to be part of the economic recovery," she adds. "Urban and minority communities have been devastated by the economic downturn.  And as importantly, minority professionals are part of these communities."

---JET interviews Jada Pinkett Smith---
Petite powerhouse Jada Pinkett Smith is featured in JET magazine (on stands September 29). She may be the wife of actor and entertainer Will Smith, but there’s far more to this talented actress than meets the eye. In addition to her most important roles as mother and wife, she also wears many hats—including writer, singer, producer and director—to showcase her artistic diversity. Now that acting jobs for the Smith children are becoming more frequent, Pinkett Smith vows that there will be no box-office competition in her household. “If this is really going to be our family business, we’re not doing that,” says Jada. “Will was already premiering (Hancock) on Willow’s premiere day for American Girl. You can’t allow the business to come between family.”

---Maya Angelou recognized by Shenandoah University---
Shenandoah University awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to world-famous literary legend Dr. Maya Angelou, during "A Morning with Maya Angelou," the official kick-off event for the inauguration of the university's 16th president, Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.

---Lilly sponsored Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference---Eli Lilly and Company sponsored the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 38th Annual Legislative Convention (ALC). Lilly's sponsorship marks the first time a company has committed the funding required -- $500,000 -- to be designated as ALC's premier sponsor. ALC typically draws more than 18,000 people, including many executives, state and local elected officials, celebrities, sports personalities, national and local media, and the 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), said the Foundation deeply appreciates and acknowledges the tremendous investment that Lilly has committed to the organization's mission.

---African Americans and Climate Change---
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' (Joint Center) Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change will announce its Commitment to Action at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative. The Joint Center launched the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change two months ago in an effort to sharply and quickly increase African Americans' understanding of climate change and its potential impact on their communities, and to ensure they have a seat at the table when climate change solutions and energy policy initiatives are discussed. The project was generously funded by Bipartisan Policy Center through The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.